| Italy remains one of the best kept skiing secrets in | | | | way to get out and enjoy the snow at your own |
| Europe, but perhaps that's how the Italians like it. | | | | pace. |
| Though often overshadowed by France and | | | | As hosts of the 2006 winter Olympics which took |
| Switzerland, Italy offers skiers some of the finest | | | | place in and around Torino (Turin), Italy has proved |
| resorts and hotels in the Alps. | | | | itself worthy of competing as a ski destination in the |
| Italia has a relaxed charm and a unique Italian | | | | international arena, and for many clued-in Brits, Italy's |
| ambiance that is not found in other Alpine countries. | | | | laid back attitude to life, love of fine food and wine, |
| With its excellent cuisine, fine wine, chic boutique | | | | good value for money and beautiful mountains are an |
| shopping and sophisticated après ski night life, | | | | ongoing draw. |
| it's no wonder that the Italian Alps are a popular | | | | Italy has over 100 resorts scattered over the |
| luxury winter holiday destination for the discerning | | | | northern part of the country, in the Italian Alps and |
| skier. | | | | the jagged Dolomites. The mountains of Piedmont, |
| And off course, skiing and snowboarding aren't the | | | | where Pragelato and Sestriere are located, hosted |
| only winter sports on offer; increasingly more people | | | | the 2006 Winter Olympics and are a particular |
| who prefer not to risk life and limb by hurtling down | | | | favourite for ski holidays. |
| a mountain at break neck speed are enjoying more | | | | Pragelato is set within the Chison Valley between |
| sedate winter holidays. Snow-shoeing for example, | | | | two spectacular national parks, the Val Troncea and |
| makes for a relaxed walk on the white side; | | | | Orsiera-Rocciavre. Swathed by larch and fir woods, |
| technology has come a long way and snow shoes no | | | | wide alpine grassland and glaciers, these natural |
| longer resemble unwieldy tennis rackets. New modern | | | | sanctuaries dominated by silence, are ideal habitats |
| designs mean light weight manoeuvrable shoes, | | | | for an array of wildlife, and the area offers some of |
| perfect for exploring snowy forested trails. | | | | Italy's finest skiing and snowboarding. |
| Or if you want a real work out, why not give | | | | With a flight from the UK taking under three hours, |
| cross-country skiing a go? This sport is the oldest | | | | Italy is just as accessible as other Alpine nations and |
| form of skiing, and is one of the best forms of | | | | generally considered slightly better value compared to |
| exercise possible. These narrow skis use soft, | | | | other British favourites such as Switzerland and |
| comfortable boots which are attached to the ski at | | | | France. So, maybe it's time you tried skiing the Italian |
| the toe only, allowing uphill travel as well as down. | | | | way. |
| The sport is good for all levels of ability, and a great | | | | |